Crocodiles of the World, Brize Norton, Caterton, Oxfordshire
At Crocodiles of the World just a short drive from Lechlade, you can see some of the most fearsome beasts in the world – from a safe distance, which will perhaps calm your nerves if reptiles aren’t exactly your favourite thing. This is the only Croc Zoo in the UK, with 19 of the world’s 26 species, and the team here are dedicated to preserving some of the most endangered creatures on the planet – you certainly wouldn’t get to see so many of these predators all in the same place anywhere else.
Crocodiles of the World is home to Nile crocs and American ‘gators, caimans, rare Siamese crocodiles from Cambodia and Chinese alligators. If your imagination is running wild picturing big snapping jaws leaping out of the water, fear not – it’s all very safe, with underwater viewing, talks and feeds, and if you’re brave enough animal encounters – yikes!
Other animals you can see here include otters, meerkats, tamarins and big ploddy Galapagos tortoises, as well as a Komodo Dragon. The zoo is pushchair and buggy friendly and has a picnic area and café serving hot and cold food; make sure the little ones have their pocket money as the shops is very well stocked with clothes, toys and souvenirs.
Open: 10:00am-4:00pm every day
T: 01993 846353
All information correct at the time of writing